Rotten Tomatoes TV Show/Movie Variance: The Terminal List

In our Rotten Tomatoes Movie Variance section we talk about films and shows that are both underrated and panned by critics, with audience score telling the true story. Today we’re talking a more recent TV Show (and book we read): The Terminal List

Summary

All-around stud James Reece (Chris Pratt), leader of SEAL team 7, is ambushed overseas and sees platoon get wiped out. Barely surviving, he returns home to find the attacks on him and his loved ones have only just begun. The 8 episode series follow Reece as he tracks down those responsible for trying to kill him and his loved ones.

Like action? Like thrillers? Like revenge? Look no further. The Terminal List is a binge-worthy non-stop action series. It’s kinda like the Borne Identity and Taken had a love child, but with more tomahawks and torture. The story isn’t too complex, but it’s enough to keep you watching every new episode just to see who James Reece will cross off his list next. Chris Pratt takes on a pretty serious role, but like James Reece with a sniper at the top of a mountain, he doesn’t miss, and absolute dream boat of a man Timmy Riggins aka Taylor Kitsch is in it as well. What else do you need? Naturally this combination makes for one of the biggest variance’s we’ve seen so far.

Best Reviews

First off Ben, if you read the book (when in doubt always one-up people by saying you read the book), you’d know that James Reece is a man’s man. James Reece and I are similar in that way. He likes his cars fast (I drive a 2011 Nissan Sentra, not to brag), his whiskeys neat (exactly the way I take my daiquiris) and he certainly like his steaks rare (I prefer medium if we’re being honest). Ben’s review compares the show to a big steak cooked rare (aka perfectly) over a 4th of July weekend… and that’s bad? 

Wait, I’m confused is this a negative review? Pretty sure Rebecca wrote a way better description of the show than I ever could. But is she saying that corporate and government corruption are part of some American fantasy, that it is only real in movies? That in the ‘real’ world the American government and corporations are incorruptible, smart, and constantly doing what is best for it’s populace? Guessing she has a lot of issues with the Batman movies, the unbelievable parts being all the corruption. Maybe I’m being negative, maybe our government and our corporations are great and this show is a fantasy of mine but then again:  

This is another review that I don’t really think is that bad. Who amongst us hasn’t been told you’ve ‘overstayed your welcome’ especially by your friends or family.  Or that dating you “provides few moments of memorable excitement”.  Everyone has experienced that multiple times right? Right you guys…? 

Best Scene

SPOILER – if you haven’t seen the series yet, I wouldn’t watch this cause it’s an awesome scene (one that is also depicted quite gruesomely, did we mention we read this book?)

Movie Mood and Similar Movies/Show

Angry and need to see some warranted revenge? Or need a show to binge on a plane ride or one that’s easy to jump right into, The Terminal List checks those boxes. I would say it’s probably more of a guys show but there are certainly thriller aspects that I think everyone will enjoy (and did I mention Timmy Riggins?) If you like John Wick, Bourne Identity, Taken or any of the classic old action movies you’ll likely enjoy this.